Youngsters ease into new school year PASADENA

NEIGHBORS

The first week, or should I say three days of the new school year are history.

We've covered books, sorted through paperwork, filled out forms until we're cross-eyed and shopped for those elusive last-minute school supplies -- all before Labor Day for the second year in a row.

As expected, the first day of school presented few problems. Our late risers were up early, excited but decidedly laid back. They are, after all, experienced secondary students, familiar with the routine. No freshman anxiety this year, thank God.

The rest of the week proceeded true to form. Bedtime got a little later. Moving around in the early morning hours was harder. Afternoon discussions about the day's events, new teachers, classmates and everything in general were quickly reduced from hours to a few words by week's end.

But there was a reprieve in sight, no school on Monday. Three whole days off, a long holiday weekend to catch up on lost sleep and enjoy one last fling at summer fun. Then it'll be back to pounding out a schedule that everyone can live with.

Have a safe and fun weekend, Pasadena.

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Back-to-school/open house nights fill the calendar this month. These evenings give parents the opportunity to meet faculty, visit classrooms, view teaching materials and find out more about getting involved in their student's education.

Parents also can learn more about volunteer opportunities, Citizen Advisory Council activities and PTA/PTO groups.

Saint Jane Frances School in Riviera Beach will begin its school year at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday. Students will be dismissed at noon Tuesday and Wednesday. The first full day of school will be Thursday.

During these first days, families will encounter some new faces in the office, classroom and cafeteria.

Rene Hammond is the new assistant principal. She previously served as coordinator of student activities.

Jeanne Brown has joined the faculty and will be teaching junior high students.

Sister Mary Aloysius, a familiar smiling face around the school for many years, has returned after a three-year absence. She will be teaching a new pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. She formerly taught grades 1-3 and implemented a kindergarten program during her many years at the school.

Barbara Blockston is the new aide for the pre-kindergarten program.

Denice Baught and Deborah Freburger will operate the cafeteria.

An informal pasta dinner with the principal is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. next Friday in the school hall. The evening will give school families an opportunity to chat with Sister Mary Monaghan and meet the faculty in a relaxed setting.

The cost for dinner is $4.50 for adults, and $2.50 for children under 12.

For more information, call the school, 255-4750.

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The Cancer Resource & Support Center (CaRES), 8055 Ritchie Highway, has planned a month of free lectures for cancer patients, their families and friends.

Nutrition will be the subject on Wednesday. Plastic and reconstructive surgery will be discussed on Sept. 15.

The holistic approach to well-being is the subject on Sept. 21. Radiology and cancer detection will be explained on Sept. 22.